Bioluminescence

Welcome to the world of bioluminescence: the generation of light by living things. 

From flickering fireflies in Northeastern backyards to bizarre fishes illuminating the deep ocean’s perpetual dark, the tree of life is spangled with organisms that blink, glow, flash, and glitter. How do organisms use bioluminescence, and how do scientists study it? Rare in land animals, the ability to produce light is much more widespread in marine life. A new generation of custom-designed equipment is enabling scientists to observe and collect creatures rarely seen alive before. In the deep ocean off the Solomon Islands, for example, Museum biologists found animals communicating with light. Many more intriguing discoveries await as we explore Earth’s final frontier, the deep sea.

Blog Post First Biofluorescent Fish Found in the Arctic Learn about the discovery of biofluorescent fish in Arctic waters and how their glow aids survival in extreme environments. March 18, 2021 Video Exploring Greenland's Icy Waters Scientists search for biofluorescent fish in an unlikely place. Blog Post Flashlight Fish Use Their Glow to School in Dark Waters Discover how flashlight fish use bioluminescent glows to navigate and school together in the dark ocean depths. August 15, 2019 Blog Post The Glowing Hawksbill Sea Turtle The endangered Hawksbill sea turtle glows in vibrant colors under certain light conditions. January 9, 2019 Research Bioluminescence Evolved at Least 29 Times in Marine Fishes Alone New research shows that bioluminescence—a phenomenon in which organisms generate visible light through a chemical reaction—has evolved... June 8, 2016 Blog Post Glowing Shark Patterns Get Brighter in Deep Water Learn about the unique glowing patterns of sharks that intensify in deep water, uncovering their role in marine ecosystems. April 26, 2016 Video They Glow! Most of the deep sea is very dark, with little or no sunlight. But that doesn't mean marine animals are in the dark! Learn how these... Hands-on Make Your Own Creatures of Light Ever wonder why some organisms flash, blink, or glow? Discover how by making your own land and ocean creatures that generate light. Blog Post Bioluminescent Fish Flashing Patterns Might Facilitate Mating Explore how bioluminescent fish use flashing patterns to communicate and potentially attract mates in the deep sea. March 3, 2014 Blog Post Researchers Reveal Covert World of Fish Biofluorescence The vibrant glow of biofluorescence in fish highlights its role in their communication and survival. January 8, 2014 Blog Post Museum Researchers Discover Glowing Sea Turtles Explore the discovery of glowing sea turtles by Museum researchers, shedding light on biofluorescence in marine animals. January 11, 2016 Article Descent Into Light On the inaugural Explore21 Expedition, Museum biologists discover a glowing menagerie in the waters off the Solomon Islands. Game Talking to Fireflies Have you ever wondered why and how fireflies flash? OLogy Card 344 bioluminescence A firefly's light seems rare and magical. Yet there are many living things that blink, glow, flash, and glitter. The deep-sea anglerfish... Blog Post “Sea Pickles” May Glow Because of Newly Discovered Gene Explore how the sea pickle’s glow gene reveals insights into bioluminescence and its applications in science. October 20, 2020 Blog Post Fish Full of Antifreeze Protein Found Off Greenland Discover the incredible antifreeze proteins in fish that enable them to survive and thrive in freezing polar waters. August 16, 2022